Pronunciation: [ʃˈafən] (IPA) 
The word "Shaphan" is spelled with two syllables. The first syllable is pronounced as "shahf" with a long vowel sound of "a" followed by a "f" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "ahn" with a short vowel sound of "a" followed by a "n" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of "Shaphan" is /ˈʃæfæn/. It is a Hebrew name that can be found in the Bible and means "rock badger."
Shaphan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. In Hebrew, the name "Shaphan" means "rock badger." He is primarily known for his role as a scribe and secretary to the Hebrew king Josiah.
Shaphan is specifically mentioned in the Book of 2 Kings and the Book of 2 Chronicles. He is depicted as a trustworthy and loyal servant, known for his wisdom and competence in matters of state affairs. As a scribe, he played a crucial part in the religious and political reforms implemented under King Josiah's reign.
Shaphan's most notable achievement was discovering the long-lost Book of the Law, believed to be the biblical book of Deuteronomy, during the renovation of the temple in Jerusalem. Upon finding the book, he immediately took it to the king and read it aloud to him. This discovery had a profound impact on King Josiah, who tore his clothes as a sign of repentance upon learning of the people's deviation from the law's teachings.
Aside from his role in discovering the Book of the Law, Shaphan is also mentioned as the father of two other significant biblical figures: Ahikam and Gemariah. Both of Shaphan's sons actively supported the reforms initiated by King Josiah and held prominent positions within the kingdom.
In summary, Shaphan was a trusted scribe and secretary to King Josiah, known for his reliability and wisdom. His most significant contribution was discovering the long-forgotten Book of the Law, which played a pivotal role in religious and political reforms in ancient Israel.
The word "Shaphan" has its origins in the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, שָׁפָן (Shaphan) means "rock badger" or "coney". The term is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. The rock badger or coney is a small, burrowing mammal found in the Middle East region.
